1. It is an educational institution that functions as a part of the interpretive, or educational arm of the National Park Service.

2. It is also a business that acquires or produces and sells cultural material to enhance the enjoyment of visitors to the national park system.

3. It is also a philanthropic organization that disperses net profit directly (and indirectly) to the National Park Service for a wide-range of diverse programs, such as educational programs; teacher's workshops; park newsletters, audio/video tours; visitor center films; special events; living history programs and more.